South Korea has strengthened its wildfire response policy for the winter season spanning December 16, 2025, to February 10, 2026. President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the importance of overwhelming initial action against wildfires, stating that excessive measures are far preferable to insufficient ones. Following this directive, the Korea Forest Service and related agencies coordinated rapid helicopter deployment within 30 minutes of fire outbreaks. The policy aims to minimize damage and ensure public safety during periods of heightened wildfire risk.
The primary agencies involved include the Korea Forest Service, Forest Aviation Headquarters, and Forest Aviation Management Offices. These organizations collectively deployed 384 helicopters, a 2.5-fold increase compared to the previous winter’s 151 helicopters. During the winter period, 95 wildfire incidents occurred, affecting 251 hectares—an increase from 69 incidents the prior year. Despite the rise in cases, proactive measures resulted in zero casualties, with average containment time per hectare reduced to 19 minutes from 59 minutes.
Implementation of the policy began immediately after President Lee’s inauguration, with agencies collaborating to ensure rapid response. The winter 2025-2026 period saw intensified efforts, including swift helicopter mobilization and preemptive evacuation orders. The upcoming Lunar New Year holiday will see continued 24-hour emergency operations by the Korea Forest Service and related agencies to prevent new wildfires. These actions reflect a sustained commitment to public safety and environmental protection.
Frequently asked questions include: How did the increased helicopter deployment impact wildfire containment? The number of helicopters deployed led to a more than 50% reduction in average containment time. Were there any casualties during the winter wildfire season? Thanks to early evacuation orders and rapid response, no casualties were reported. What measures are planned for the holiday period? Agencies will maintain 24-hour emergency readiness to prevent and respond to wildfires.
South Korea’s wildfire response policy for winter 2025-2026 is notable for its aggressive helicopter deployment and rapid containment strategies. The reduction in average containment time and prevention of casualties highlight the effectiveness of early intervention and inter-agency cooperation. Maintaining emergency readiness during the holiday period reflects a sustained focus on public safety. These measures provide a strong model for other countries facing similar wildfire risks.